‘Nothing but a benefit to the community’
International students important part of Cape Breton economy
International students are dumping millions of dollars into the local and provincial economy yearly.
In fact, international education, considered an export business, is Nova Scotia’s second largest export sector.
These statistics are from the 2017 Report on International Education and Training in Nova Scotia, done by Corporate Research Associates Inc. for EduNova Cooperative Ltd. EduNova is an organization that helps market the profile of education expertise in Nova Scotia.
“It is an extremely exciting sector and it’s on the grow,” said Kerrianne MacKenzie, chief operating officer at the International Centre for English Academic Prep (ICEAP.)
According to MacKenzie, it is estimated that, collectively, students enrolled in ICEAP programs spend between $4,000,000-$7,000,000 each year they are in Cape Breton.
“That stems from the homestay, the tuition,” MacKenzie explained. “It’s a great economic impact on the community.
“Imagine if they buy cars or they buy homes or they eat in restaurants — it becomes a very robust sector.”
According to statistics from EduNova, an international student spends an average of $28,985 a year in Nova Scotia. This includes tuition, living expenses, entertainment, food and transportation.
For 200 students, that works out to almost $5,800,000. At CBU this year, there are about 900 international students, roughly 30 per cent of the total student population. If each student were to spend this average amount, then these international students will spend about $26,000,000 in Cape Breton and Nova Scotia this year.
“We are one of the highest (international student enrolment) in the province. Saint Mary’s is just behind us. We are
very proud of that number,” said Eleanor Anderson, director of enrolment services.
Anderson also pointed out there are more benefits to having international students in Cape Breton than the money they are spending here.
“A lot of our international students choose to work. They can work up to 20 hours a week (with their study visas) while they are here. And many of them you will see at the local stores and restaurants,” she explained.
“Another way to look at economic impact is they are filling jobs that we aren’t able to fill. They aren’t replacing anybody … they are providing a really good service. That’s another positive impact.”
Another benefit is the jobs being created through this economic sector.
ICEAP opened seven years ago. They employ between 30 and 60 people, depending on the time of year. Without international students wanting to take this program, these jobs would not have been created.
MacKenzie and Anderson both praised the social benefits of having international students in the community.
“They are incredibly gifted and well-versed students. They are nothing but a benefit to the community, not just on the economic side. They are so brave and so funny, there is so much that they bring to the table,” said MacKenzie.
“We have three international people on staff here and they have gotten married, bought homes and are having babies. That’s exactly what we need here in Cape Breton.”